Four Split Personalities

The First Pillar apparently did not care about this detail, having casually mentioned it before turning their attention back to the Third Pillar, their tone unwavering as an ancient well: "As the most senior member of the ’Assembly,’ it is my duty to inform you of some basic rules. To start with, including myself and the three pillars not yet present, each of us holds distinct and decisive positions that may lead to either cooperation or hostility among us. In fact, the latter tends to occur more often. Hence, aside from executing the will of the Domination, it is our primary duty to protect ourselves."

"Protect ourselves?"

Amidst the chaos, the Third Pillar was particularly keen on this topic; ever since being inexplicably dragged into this place, their top priority had indeed been to ’protect themselves’.

"Correct."

The First Pillar nodded slightly, their voice betraying no emotion: "Therefore, the first piece of advice I must give you is to avoid revealing your identity as much as possible. The actions of the Eighth Pillar trying to test you just now, although they would have been against the rules before I finished speaking, will no longer be restrained. Hence, I suggest you remain vigilant at all times. Otherwise, murder, manipulation, coercion, or any other such incident can occur. As I mentioned earlier, when positions differ, the likelihood of hostility is greater."

None of the other pillars spoke up, even the usually talkative Eighth Pillar merely chuckled twice. The Third Pillar seemed to be shocked by this, remaining silent for a full five minutes before bitterly asking, "May I ask if I have the right to withdraw from this Assembly?"

In truth, under such circumstances, the answer was obvious without asking.

But...

"You do."

The First Pillar gave a faint response.

"Really?!"

If they could make an expression, the Third Pillar was certain their face would be ecstatic.

"However, as a chosen one, withdrawing from the ’Assembly’ comes with a price."

The First Pillar added casually, and before the other could inquire further, spoke directly: "The price of life."

"..."

The Third Pillar fell silent.

Yet at that moment, a majestic burst of light suddenly appeared from nothingness, shaking the spirits of all present, whether it was the embodied First, Second, or Eighth Pillar, or the formless Fourth and Seventh Pillars.

In the next instant, the flash of light had disappeared, and for the first time, the Fifth Pillar’s emotionless voice revealed surprise: "The will of the Domination..."

"What?"

The Third Pillar instinctively asked.

"Congratulations, Third Pillar."

The Eighth Pillar suddenly clapped lightly, having apparently ’perceived’ that will too, and laughed: "The great Domination indicates that they are willing to give you a chance to withdraw."

"A chance?!"

"That’s right."

The First Pillar nodded slightly, their voice regaining its serene indifference: "This means that if you choose to withdraw now, aside from the memories of being here, there’s no need to pay any other price. This is the boon just recently decided upon and granted to you by the Domination."

"I..."

"Make your choice, whether to become the Third Pillar of the ’Assembly’, or to forget all this and return to your current life. State your answer..."

"I..."

...

Game Time AM07:01

Innocent Continent, Eastern Region, Changpan Town [Caterpillar Tavern], room on the second floor

Beo Lucanus jolted awake from his bed, bewilderedly opening his eyes. While recalling that strange dream, he anxiously glanced at his left wrist...

There lay an intricate bracelet, crafted from some dark purple metal, with a lifelike harp carved onto it. It shimmered with a mesmerizing light under the morning rays.

Prologue: The End